Time to weed out terrorism

KUALA LUMPUR: New Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohamad Fuzi Harun will train his guns on his main target – terrorists – and look at more ways to enhance public safety and security.

As former Bukit Aman Special Branch and Counter Terrorism Task Force director, he will certainly have the know-how on the best way to counter the terror threat.

“Terrorism is still a clear and present danger. It is no longer a domestic problem but one that is global.

“Tackling terrorism will be our priority,” he said in his maiden press conference yesterday at Pulapol as the nation’s top cop.

Speaking in a calm and measured tone after being named Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar’s successor, Mohamad Fuzi, 58, got straight into laying out his action plan to boost the Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division.

He announced that the division will have more bite with an extra 343 personnel.

Over to you: Khalid handing over the reins to new top cop Mohamad Fuzi (right) as Dr Ahmad Zahid looks on during the ceremony at Pulapol in Kuala Lumpur.

“The Government has just approved the additional men,’’ he added.

The Perak-born Mohamad Fuzi said that under him, the core business of the police in ensuring the safety and security of the people will be enhanced.

“I will look at specific areas of focus,’’ he said.

Asked how he felt about rising to the peak of the police force, Mohamad Fuzi who was seated on the podium beside Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Khalid, replied “no one is more shocked than me”.

“No one even gave me a hint. It is truly an honour and I pledge to do my best to serve the people and country,’’ he added.

His appointment was widely welcomed among the police ranks, present and past. Counter Terrorism Division head Deputy Comm Datuk Ayob Khan said he had worked closely with Mohamad Fuzi and described him as someone who embodies professionalism.

Former IGP Tan Sri Musa Hassan, when contacted, said the new IGP was an asset to the country.

“I appointed him Counter Terrorism Task Force director when I was the IGP,’’ he added.

Former Deputy IGP Tan Sri Hussin Ismail said the appointment was apt, given Mohamad Fuzi’s experience in dealing with terrorism.

“His maturity and experience makes him the right man for the job,’’ he added.

Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said he was confident that Mohamad Fuzi was best equipped to lead the police force.

“He is open to suggestions and affable. These qualities will work in his favour,” he said, adding that MCPF looked forward to working with the new IGP.

Zahid announced the appointment of Comm Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff as the new Special Branch director.